Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, has expressed his confidence in David Warner’s ability to overcome his longstanding rival Stuart Broad during the Ashes 2023 series. Cummins believes that Warner will showcase a transformed version of himself when the series kicks off at Edgbaston on Friday, June 16.
Warner has been experiencing a lean patch in Test cricket, with only one fifty to his name in his last 17 innings. His struggles were particularly evident during the 2019 Ashes series in England, where Broad consistently troubled him. Broad has dismissed Warner 14 times, the most by any bowler, with seven of those dismissals occurring in the 2019 Ashes alone. Warner’s average during that series was a mere 9.50.
Despite these challenges, Warner showed glimpses of returning to form during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against India. Under difficult overcast conditions, he played a gritty innings of 43 runs in the first innings.
In an interview with WA Today, Cummins expressed his support for Warner’s performance against Broad in their anticipated battle during the Ashes series. Cummins mentioned that Warner would have been contemplating his encounters with the English pacer over the past four years, indicating that he is aware of the significance of their rivalry.
“I don’t think there’ll be any surprises. They’re guys we’ve played a lot and Davey’s I’m sure been thinking about Broad a lot over the last four years and if he got another chance, how he is going to play against him,” Cummins said as quoted by WA Today.
“It didn’t go Davey’s way last time, but I think we’ll see a different Davey this time,” Cummins further slated.
Warner will enter the Ashes series with the backing of his captain, further fuelling his determination to overcome his past difficulties and make a strong impact against Broad and the English bowling attack.
On the other hand, in England’s team announcement for the series opener, Broad was chosen ahead of Mark Wood to secure the final place in the bowling attack. Broad will join the experienced James Anderson, and the recently un-retired Moeen Ali to form England’s bowling lineup for the match.
England’s playing XI for the Edgbaston Test:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.
